Hello from a loooongtime lurker. Been coming to Myrtle for vacations for as long as I can remember, my family and I all love the area. I reside in central Ohio and am a happily married father of two girls, 4 and 7. Like everyone else I enjoy reading the trip-reports and looking for good restaurant recommendations, among other things. The preparation and anticipation for this year's trip has begun, so I thought I would finally start contributing to the forums. I'm looking forward to finally interacting with all of you fine folks. Thanks!

Welcome to the board. This is the best unbiased place to get MB info. Lots of great people on the board, and all share a great love for Myrtle Beach. Looking forward to the info that you can bring to the board.

Deanna-Usually we stay in North Myrtle or Garden City/Surfside. This year we're staying at a privately owned penthouse condo at Ocean Park Resort (a bit north of the state park, July 5th-12th) that I booked on Homeaway. This is the first year in what feels like forever that it'll just be me, the wife, and the kids (hooray, no in-laws).

Haha, thanks! Actually I'm a member of the Mandalorian Mercs, which is a Lucas/Disney-approved sister organization to the 501st (Vaders, Stormtroopers, Clones, etc.) and Rebel Legion (Jedi, Rebel troops/pilots, etc.).

You basically create your own 'character' and make/paint your own custom armor/weapons Then you submit photos to a team of guys that decide whether or not you meet the guidelines and your kit is up to par, at which point you become an official member. We typically troop at conventions, fundraisers, birthday parties, community events, etc. My Mando's name is Kastor Grimm, official member #595. Here I am at 2012 San Diego Comic-Con with an uncanny Dr. Evil (of the Austin Powers movies).